Santa Cruz Site 1 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Santa Cruz Site 1 Dam, also known as Canada Ancha Floodwater Retarding Structure, is a vital flood risk reduction structure located in Chimayo, New Mexico.


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Summary

Owned by the local government and designed by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 56 feet and has a structural height of 62 feet. Completed in 1962, the dam has a storage capacity of 963 acre-feet and a drainage area of 8 square miles, serving the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Canada Ancha river.

Despite its critical role in mitigating flood hazards, Santa Cruz Site 1 Dam has been assessed to be in poor condition with a high hazard potential. The last inspection in 2016 revealed the need for improvements, as the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) and risk management measures were lacking. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, there is a pressing need for regular maintenance and upgrades to ensure the safety and functionality of this important infrastructure. As the dam is regulated by the Office of the State Engineer and subject to state permitting and inspection, ongoing efforts are required to address its structural deficiencies and enhance its overall resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

1032

Dam Height

56

River Or Stream

CANADA ANCHA

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

43

Hydraulic Height

56

Drainage Area

8

Nid Storage

963

Structural Height

62

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

62
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.